Good And Rare Nearly Homogenous English Cromwellian Pikeman’s Armour Circa 1640

A Good And Rare Nearly Homogenous English Cromwellian Pikeman’s Armour Circa 1640.

The helmet of characteristic form with low medial ridge made in two pieces with lining rivets and plume holder. The helmet exhibits great age with brazed repairs on the brim. The breastplate of good quality and diminished peascod form with decorative rivets throughout and showing a number of dents possibly from battle.

The edges are properly rolled and struck at the throat with armourer’s initials “IL” (JL?) and exhibiting good delamination. The skirt with decorative rivets ensuite with the breastplate also struck with a mark (illegible). The two assets engraved in imitation of five articulated plates, the lowest plate decorated with three finely executed hearts using rivets one right side up, and two upside down.

The tassets decorated with rivets ensuite with the skirt and breastplate. The iron straps securing the tassels also decorated with rivets ensuite with the tassets. The backplate with finely rolled edges and showing good forging delamination at the neck. The iron straps securing the breastplate to the backplate are correct replacements. The leather straps are contemporary as is expected considering the suit is nearly 400 years old.

The quality and completeness of this armour will make it a wonderful centerpiece in any collection of English Civil War weapons and is a necessary addition to any collection of armour.

Altogether a most attractive example of the last iteration of European suits of armour in good original condition except as noted.